Kakori Conspiracy Case, Events, Trial, Impact

The Kakori Conspiracy Case, also known as the Kakori Train Robbery, was a significant event in India’s struggle for independence. It was carried out by the revolutionary group Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) on August 9, 1925. It involved the looting of government cash from a British train near Kakori, to finance revolutionary activities. 

The British authorities responded with severe crackdowns, arresting and executing key revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan. This case marked a turning point in the revolutionary movement, inspiring future freedom fighters.

Kakori Conspiracy Case Background

By the early 1920s, dissatisfaction with the Congress-led non-violent approach as promoted by Mahatma Gandhi, gave rise to revolutionary movements. Many young nationalists turned to violent methods to undermine British imperialism. The leaders of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) decided to attack British finances by looting government funds transported by trains. 

Kakori Conspiracy Case Objectives

The primary goal of the Kakori Conspiracy Case was to fund the revolutionary activities of the HRA by seizing money that had been collected by the British administration through heavy taxation of Indians. Beyond the monetary aspect, the leaders sought to arouse nationalist sentiment by carrying out a bold and public act of defiance against British rule. The HRA also aimed to garner public attention and create a positive image for their cause. 

Kakori Conspiracy Case Events

On 9 August 1925, the Number 8 Down Train was travelling from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow. As the train passed the village of Kakori, one of the revolutionaries, Rajendra Lahiri, pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt. The other revolutionaries quickly overpowered the guard, making their way to the guards' cabin. Their target was the money bags, which contained around ₹8,000—a substantial amount collected from taxes levied on Indians. After securing the money, they escaped towards Lucknow.

Kakori Conspiracy Case Trial

Following the Kakori train robbery, the British government launched an extensive investigation. Within a month, most of the conspirators were arrested. Leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, Sachindranath Sanyal, Sachindranath Bakshi, Govind Charan Kar, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, Thakur Roshan Singh were arrested. Prominent leader Chandrashekhar Azad managed to evade capture.

• In the trial, which took place between 1925 and 1926, the British charged the accused with robbery and murder under stringent laws of sedition. 
• Despite a strong defence, four revolutionaries were sentenced to death: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Thakur Roshan Singh. 
• Several others like Sachindranath Sanyal, and Sachindranath Bakshi were deported to Kala Pani. Many were sentenced to life imprisonment or long terms in prison.

Kakori Conspiracy Case Impact

The Kakori Conspiracy Case had a profound impact on the Indian freedom movement. The execution of key leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Rajendra Lahiri made them martyrs. It also inspired future revolutionaries, such as Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, to continue the fight against British rule. 

• In the aftermath of the Kakori incident, the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) realized the need to refine its ideology and tactics. 
  • In 1928, the organization rebranded itself as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). 
• The Kakori Conspiracy thus energized the revolutionary movement and contributed to shaping the ideological framework of future revolutionary groups.

Kakori Conspiracy Case FAQs

Q1. What is famous Kakori train robbery?

Ans. The Kakori train robbery was a 1925 heist by revolutionaries from the Hindustan Republican Association to loot British government funds.

Q2. Who was the Viceroy of India Kakori Conspiracy?

Ans. Lord Reading was the Viceroy of India at the time of the Kakori Conspiracy

Q3. Who is responsible for Kakori Conspiracy case?

Ans. The Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), led by revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan, was responsible for the Kakori Conspiracy.

Q4. What is the rename of Kakori Kand?

Ans. The rename of Kakori Kand is Kakori Train Action.

Q5. Who were the martyrs of Kakori conspiracy?

Ans. The martyrs of the Kakori conspiracy include Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Thakur Roshan Singh.